Brandon Carlo Speaks Out After Unknowingly Fighting UFC Fighter's Brother, Jeff Mallott

When Toronto added Brandon Carlo at the trade deadline, they got themselves a shutdown defenseman who is as intimidating as he is impactful. Standing 6'5, over 220 pounds and a scary sight on skates, it was a pickup that has been arguably Toronto's bright spot in a murky couple of weeks.

He certainly made his presence felt on Saturday night as he went toe to toe with Los Angeles Kings forward Jeff Malott. The two had a heated scrap, and while there was no definitive winner, there were a lot of heavy blows.

Speaking afterward about the fight, Carlo revealed that things could have gone a lot different, and that he was unaware of who exactly he was up against.

Turns out, the Malott name is pretty infamous for fighting, and Jeff's brother is a pretty famous name in the world of MMA.

Specifically, it's Mike Malott, professional UFC fighter.

So how's Carlo feeling after being educated on who exactly he fought after being caught unaware? Relieved, no doubt:

While Carlo is a big boy, Mallott is no slouch either at 6'3, 200 pounds.

He found a lot of success at the AHL level with the Manitoba Moose. Undrafted, he signed with Winnipeg but primarily played with the Moose; he scored 137 points (68G, 69A) in 203 games before signing with the Kings this season.

Carlo is no stranger to fights though, putting up 18 in his career but had his first one of the season on Saturday. It's part of a new identity that the Maple Leafs have taken on, and the veteran defenseman is just another tally on a long list of players who have scrapped this year.

But if things go both teams' ways during the playoffs, the two could very well meet in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Just don't expect Carlo to drop the gloves with Malott without some extra training and preparation beforehand.